Making of a Miracle (eBook)

On the fortieth anniversary of the historic "e;Miracle on Ice,"e; Mike Eruzionethe captain of the 1980 U.S Mens Olympic Hockey Team, who scored the winning goalrecounts his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, and winning the gold medal.It is the greatest American underdog sports story ever told: how a team of college kids and unsigned amateurs, under the tutelage of legendary coachand legendary taskmasterHerb Brooks, beat the elite Soviet hockey team on their way to winning the gold medal at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. No one believed the scrappy Americans had a real shot at winning. Despite being undefeated, the U.S.the youngest team in the competitionwere facing off against the four-time defending gold medalist Russians. But the Americans irrepressible optimism, skill, and fearless attitude helped them outplay the seasoned Soviet team and deliver their iconic win.As captain, Mike Eruzione led his team on the ice on that Friday, February 22, 1980. But beating the U.S.S.R was only one of the numerous challenges Mike has faced in his life. In this inspiring memoir, he recounts the obstacles he has overcome, from his blue-collar upbringing in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to his battle to make the Boston University squad; his challenges in the minor leagues and international tournaments to his selection to the U.S. team and their run for gold. He also talks about the aftermath of that stupendous win that inspired and united the nation at a time of crisis in its history.Eruzione has lived a hockey life full of unexpected twists and surprising turns. Al Michaels famous call in 1980"e;do you believe in miracles? YES!"e;could have been about Mike himself. Filled with vivid portraitsfrom his hard-working, irrepressible father to the irascible Herb Brooks to the Russian hall of famers Tretiak, Kharlamov, Makarov, and Fetisovthis lively, fascinating look back is destined to become a sports classic and is a must for hockey fans, especially those who witnessed that miraculous day.